Living in Lincoln, NE
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Lincoln, NE? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Lincoln, NE

You could say Lincoln, NE, is smack dab in the middle of everything – and you would be right on the money! This capital city appeals to young and old alike. The city has a robust economy, a low cost of living and accessible transportation options for starters. The city also boasts fabulous restaurants, a growing craft beer scene and a pretty fabulous creative culture. It’s no wonder so many people are moving to Lincoln.

Furthermore, the city is a welcoming place to settle down. Known as a refugee resettlement city, Lincoln’s 301,084 citizens are helping new neighbors acclimate and thrive. And thrive, they do! With amenities like more than 120 parks, an average commute time of just shy of 20 minutes and a quintessential college-town vibe, local residents are proud of where they live. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is the state’s flagship public research university, adding an academic flair to the city (Go Huskers!). Even the K-12 public school system gets high marks, setting up students for success.

It’s easy to find a career you love here, with a wide variety of sectors that include business, manufacturing, health care, insurance, agriculture and transportation. 

Looking for entertainment? In recent years, the city has become known for both its growing craft beer and foodie scenes. Check out The Railyard, an area chock-full of eateries and bars. It is across from Pinnacle Bank Arena, which holds 15,500 people and hosts all kinds of sporting events and concerts. And the Historic Haymarket District, a revitalized area of town where the past meets the present, is the place to go for dining, shopping and visual art.

Top Reasons to Move to Lincoln

• Lincoln is an innovation hotspot; the city is at the heart of the “Silicon Prairie,” and is a hub for startups, corporations and research.
• Lincoln is affordable, with a lower cost of living and median home prices that support a high quality of life.
• As a national leader in refugee resettlement and inclusion, Lincoln is a diverse city with a melting pot of cultures.
• Lincoln is a quintessential college town with plenty of artistic amenities and the energy of a major Big Ten university.

Lincoln, the state capital of Nebraska, is in the southeastern part of the state along Interstate 80. It’s home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, giving it a lively, college-town feel. Lincoln Airport is right in the city, making travel super convenient. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Omaha is just 55 miles northeast, where you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo or stroll the Old Market district.
• Kansas City, MO, sits 185 miles southeast, famous for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and world-class barbecue.
• Des Moines, IA, is about 190 miles east, home to the Iowa State Fair and the Des Moines Art Center.

Residents enjoy a humid continental climate with four highly distinct seasons, featuring hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is known for its wide seasonal temperature swings and frequent sunny spells, with most of the area’s precipitation occurring during the pleasant spring and summer months.

The city’s diverse economy is made up of a variety of employers and industries. The city has several state government offices and agencies, including the State Capitol, a significant source of employment in the community. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is another major employer contributing to education, research and cultural development. Health care also plays a crucial role, with Bryan Health and CHI Health St. Elizabeth offering a range of medical and administrative positions. You can also find opportunities in insurance with companies like Allstate and Ameritas or manufacturing roles with businesses like Kawasaki and Zoetis. 

The cost of living in Lincoln is below the national average. The median home value in Lincoln is $274,445, and the average household income is $71,936.

There is a state income tax in Nebraska. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Lincoln is 7.25%.

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The city has a long history of welcoming refugees from around the world. The city has a dedicated New Americans Task Force (NATF), which coordinates resettlement efforts and provides support services to newcomers.   

Since the 1980s, Lincoln has had a long history of welcoming refugees from various countries, including Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The NATF helps coordinate and connect refugees with essential services like housing, employment, education and health care. Lincoln has a strong community that supports refugee resettlement efforts. Numerous organizations and volunteers assist newcomers, helping them integrate into the community and build new lives.

Living in Lincoln means you’ll never be bored. Art lovers can enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, which features the Sheldon Museum of Art, the Burkholder Project’s multi-level galleries and the Lux Center for the Arts, which offers exhibitions and workshops. There’s also the Great Plains Art Museum and First Friday Artwalks. The Nebraska State Capitol and International Quilt Museum offer history, while the Lied Center and Nebraska Repertory Theatre have great shows.

The city fosters a strong sense of community, which is evident in events like the Haymarket Farmers’ Market and the welcoming atmosphere at venues like the Branched Oak Observatory. The Haymarket District is a historical spot with several shops and restaurants, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s sports teams provide year-round excitement. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Star City Shores Aquatic Center activities and explore the city’s parks and green spaces.

Live life outdoors in this area. With 6,000 acres of parks and open space, including 132 parks and 134 miles of trails, the city has more parkland per capita than most other U.S. cities. Pioneers Park Nature Center is a scenic spot for hiking and wildlife spotting, while the MoPac Trail offers a longer route into the countryside. Holmes Lake Park is popular for fishing, kayaking and picnics, with a trail around the lake. Wilderness Park has over 1,400 acres of wooded trails. Sunken Gardens and disc golf at Roper Park are local favorites. The Children’s Zoo is a hit for families, and Antelope Park has gardens and trails for kids to run around. Golfers can hit the links at Hidden Valley Golf Club or Jim Ager Golf Course or catch a Saltdogs baseball game at Haymarket Park. Lincoln’s abundance of green spaces and trails makes it an ideal city for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lincoln has a food scene that’s growing fast, with flavors from all over the world and local favorites, too. With over 30,000 immigrants and refugees from 150 countries, residents find a wide range of international eats alongside classic American dishes. Places like The Oven and the UNL Dairy Store highlight the quality of Nebraska’s local ingredients, while Well & Good and Hub Cafe focus on farm-to-table meals.

The craft drink scene has gained momentum locally in recent years, with breweries like Boiler Brewing Company and Kinkaider Brewing Co. Taproom offering unique, locally crafted beers. Wine lovers can visit Capitol View Winery and James Arthur Vineyards and enjoy pairings at FireWorks and The Oven Cellar. There are cozy cafes like Meadowlark and The Coffee House and dessert spots like Goldenrod Pastries and 402 Creamery. Go on a global journey at Licorice International, which offers an extensive selection of licorice. For unique dining, try Screamers Family Restaurant for entertainment or Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill for historic ambiance.

Home to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, it’s no surprise that education and excellent schools here are second nature. There are various educational options, including public, private and charter schools. With a student population of nearly 42,000, Lincoln Public Schools is a highly-rated (and attended!) district. LPS has several focus programs, which are magnet schools with specialized themes. These focus programs include the arts and humanities, science and career academies. LPS schools also strongly focus on early childhood education, offering programs for preschool and kindergarten students. 

The city also has many religious and independent private schools, often with a long history of high-quality education and smaller class sizes. Among the most highly ranked schools are Pius X High School, Parkview Christian Schools and Lincoln Christian School.